Boston, MA – Severe thunderstorms are expected to hammer much of Massachusetts and Rhode Island through 10 p.m. Thursday, with damaging wind gusts, hail, and lightning likely to impact evening travel and pre–Fourth of July events.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 484 covers all five Rhode Island counties — including Providence, Kent, and Washington — and 11 counties across Massachusetts, from Worcester and Middlesex to Bristol and Essex. Storms will be strongest between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., with wind gusts possibly exceeding 60 mph.
Boston, Worcester, and Springfield could see sudden downpours and urban flooding during the evening commute. In Rhode Island, coastal towns like Newport and Narragansett may face beach closures or lightning delays. Widespread tree damage and power outages remain possible in both states, particularly in higher elevation and inland areas.
Officials urge residents to stay indoors during storms, charge mobile devices, and avoid driving through water-covered roads. Outdoor July 4 setup and fireworks staging should be paused until the watch expires.
Storm intensity is expected to drop off after 10 p.m., but isolated cells may persist into early Friday morning. Stay tuned for further warnings if storms strengthen.
